Dexmethylphenidate

Dexmethylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant that is often prescribed to adults and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Stimulants allow people to focus better for short periods of time; the medication allows patients to sit still, focus and do their work. The medication also adjusts the amount of serotonin in the brain to help change patients’ moods and behaviors.

Warnings/Side Effects

This medication can be physically and psychologically addictive. Patients who have ever had drug or alcohol abuse problems should not take it because they are at greater risk of abusing it. Many patients develop tolerance to the drug, which means that they need greater amounts of it to achieve the same effect. You should not adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.

Since this drug can cause physical dependence, patients should not stop taking it abruptly. Doing so can cause severe depression as well as physical health problems such as high blood pressure and seizures. Patients should gradually taper off the drug while under the supervision of a doctor to avoid these problems.